Westminster City Council approves Altius Real Estate as delivery partner for Huguenot House

Image: courtesy of Westminster City Council

Westminster City Council’s Cabinet has agreed to appoint Altius Real Estate (‘Altius’), and its contractor partner Erith, as a delivery partner for Huguenot House – a building which is located between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

Subject to a five-day call-in period, Altius will begin the design development before undertaking public consultation and then submitting a planning application.

Huguenot House is an early 1960s design with flats, offices, cinema and a car park. Options for the future of Huguenot House have been under consideration since 2017, and in March 2021, the decision was taken that the preferred option was to redevelop the building.

Westminster City Council states:

'Future plans will deliver significant improvements to residents and the wider community, providing a better environment for people to live, work and visit the area.

'The principle of appointing a delivery partner was considered and agreed by Cabinet on 18 September 2023. Since November 2023, Westminster City Council has been looking for a partner that met various requirements including:

• Significant experience of delivering well designed buildings with high-quality homes and facilities

• Creation of affordable homes, the cinema and office space

• Delivering wide ranging community benefits aligned to the needs of the community

• Maximising local employment, training and skills

• Commitments to involving the local community in the development of the design

  
  

'Altius was selected as the preferred bidder as it met and exceeded all these criteria, with a project team that includes architecture studio Foster+Partners. Its proposals for Huguenot House involve new homes including a greater number of affordable homes, community assets including a garden, plus a cinema, hotel and offices.'

Cllr David Boothroyd, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, said: 

“The redevelopment of Huguenot House represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a key site in the heart of the West End.  “Altius has demonstrated a clear commitment to delivering high-quality homes, including much-needed affordable housing in our city, alongside vibrant community spaces and a reimagined public realm. This is about creating a place that works for residents, businesses, and visitors alike and we will ensure local people and existing residents remain at the heart of the process through continued engagement and consultation."

Westminster City Council further confirms:

'On-site businesses, residents and leaseholders have been kept updated on plans as they have progressed and Westminster City Council is committed to continuing this engagement going forward. The Cabinet heard directly from a residents' representative at the meeting and answered their questions.

'Secure tenants and resident leaseholders have a right to return to the new development should they choose, and will be supported throughout whilst they temporarily live away from the site.  The council is committed to working closely with residents and to discussing all options and entitlements, including support for costs associated with moving.  Residents also have access to advice from an independent advisor.'